My time to vent.
So that was a big win. A great two points! I personally never got down on the team even after Alex Ovechkin was tossed out of the game. We went down 3 to 0 and the announcers were telling the nation we “had no push “which is code for we have no “heart”. I have faith. I am always confident in our team and our Coach.
We have plenty of heart and grit and “stick-with-it-ness”. We are NOT a one man team and we scored 4 goals by 3 different players NOT named Ovechkin. We stunned Chicago and its fans and the NBC crew. Nicklas Backstroms play at both ends on the winning goal in OT was sublime, and awesome. Toews and Backstrom, now that was a pretty good draft huh?
When Ovechkin was tossed for basically pushing a Blackhawk player I received a bunch of emails. Some from our fans, some from Pens fans, and some from fans in Chicago. Suffice to say the opinions about the play ranged all over the map. I don’t think Alex should have received a game misconduct for that play. I don’t think he should miss our next game either. Matt Cooke didn’t get suspended or a penalty called on his hit last week, but Alex Ovechkin the league’s MVP did on that play? I don’t get it. But it is what it is. We will move on, play hard and we won’t “explain or complain”.
And what was up with NBC and its audio issues and the “Russian D men” segment, no I mean “The rushing D men ” segment. Nice job guys. Comcast has its hands full now. We have now come back twice from big deficits on NBC against both the Penguins and the Blackhawks… So give us a little bit of credit.
When the second period ended and we were down 3 to 0 several fans sent me emails heavy on the angst, complaining, and pointing out flaws. If you would like to email me again after we came back and scored 4 goals and won that would be classy of you and nice of you 
. Human nature I guess. I hear from you on bad news but don’t hear on good news. By the way-some of these people were the same folks bombarding me with emails when we went down 4 to 0 against the NY Rangers last year and then we went on to win 5 to 4. “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.We now have 101 points. There are 13 games left to play. ‘Nuff said. A big win and I am proud of the team. I hope you are too, even those of you who sent me nasty emails during the game again. Here is what I have to say” won’t you ever learn?” Try to be happy. You can do it. Maybe not?
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
Great game Washington I was very happy for you and you all deserved the win. Is it only me or does everyone think the playoffs are better than in the past? I have not seen hockey this intense for a long time with end to end action and tons of excitement. I know it’s strange I’m routing for Washington since I am from Canada but think you have the better team. Good luck in Montreal Monday, I shall be watching closely. We are so lucky here in Toronto we get nearly all the games/series on all the channels we get but I do like the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) the best.
Daniel … Toronto, CANADA
http://dandmb50.tumblr.com/
You draw a comparison between last week’s controversial Matt Cooke-Marc Savard incident – in which Cooke got off scot-free for a hit to Savard’s head – and the Ovechkin play on Campbell.
By describing Ovechkin as the league’s MVP in that sentence, you are tacitly implying that there should be a separate standard for superstar players. Otherwise, why mention Ovechkin’s achievements in the NHL. It is as if his resume should somehow protect him, which is false reasoning.
Justice, even NHL style, is supposed to be blind.
There’s no consistency with NHL discipline so it’s pointless to compare one hit to another. You can’t. It’s impossible and illogical. You have to look at the hit on its own and this one was bad. It was from behind, reckless, and completely unnecessary. And believe it or not, not everyone who’s responding to Mr. Leonsis or calling for a suspension is a Penguins fan.
I heard about your blog by reading the Toronto Star today and was pleasantly surprised when I arrived here. It’s nice to see the owners are not hiding under their desks in the big office. I love hockey and have played since a young boy here in Toronto and have always been excited when Washington comes to town with Ovechkin. It’s always a real treat and he puts on a great show along with the rest of the team. I’m sorry to hear of his suspension but he should know better and I don’t think he is a goon far from it but pushing a player from behind near the end boards is a no-brainer. I believe he got off very lightly as well as everyone around here you might want to check out The Star today there was quite a story on this whole topic. But I do wish the best for the rest of the year and commend you on your blog, well done I shall visit often. I think the NHL has to clamp down on rough and dirty play and especially checks from behind on the boards, I just think Ovie just got his timing wrong.
Daniel ………… Toronto, CANADA
http://my.opera.com/dandmb50toronto/blog/
I was at the Chicago game. I admit, I was ready to leave after the end of the 2nd period. I had a long drive back to DC ahead of me, and if I was going to get home early enough to get some sleep before work on Monday I might as well start then.
But I stayed. And I was elated and stunned. As for that entire arena? Not a single harsh word from the throngs of that sellout crowd on our way out. No trash talk, no hostility. Just a wish for a safe trip home.
Stay classy, Hawks fans. You are awesome.
Teddy, It was a push and an awkward fall. I feel bad the blackhawk player got hurt. This is NHL Hockey. We all play to our personal best. That should never change. Don’t let anything get us sidetracked. You know ALEX took quite the fall himself, I hope he is O.K. Alex honey, shake it off. We Love The Way You Play! You play for us! Thank You! LETS GO CAPS!
VAHockeyDude: I didn’t say Penguin fans had “no right”. If you re-read what I said, I stated they had “no room” to talk to our owner about hits like this. Its an internet blog and enjoy reading the wide ranging opinions. However, I do not like the fact that people are essentially keyboard warriors, and do not back up their statements.
And as every Pittsburgh fan is, they like to think that they are “above” every other team/city in every regard. You know, they, and you, make comments that put down the owners of other teams while showing your own owner’s superiority. I never said Mario was a bad owner, so stop putting words in my mouth, again. Great, a hockey legend. Nobody outside of PGH really gives a damn.
What about a push from the side? Which is what OV did.
Ted,
I agree with you. It was a soft hit that didn’t warrant anything more than a two minute minor. The consequent ejection and two game suspension, in my oppinion, were unwarranted, especially when no call was handed down when Semin was slammed (I’m sorry, checked) into the boards during the same game or when the Penguin d-man leveled a cheap shot to the head of that Bruin fellow (sorry, blanking on his name).
But it was Ovie. So the league, not one to miss an opportunity to single him out or disadvantage the Capitals, quickly reacted to “the hit.” Let them hand down a verdict on some other “shots” that “warrant” action then, and not just those that catch the attention of Toronto.
As it stands now, their bias is showing.
And too the Penguin fans out there (you know who you are): where was your righteous indignation when your own player was guilty of an “equally cheap” shot? Nothing to say? Until you do, please, you have no right to speak out against Ovie.
Enough said.
Being a Caps fan I honestly don’t mind the on ice call and subsequent suspension. It’s the lack of consistency in handing out suspensions for identical (or worse) incidents that angers me. Two prime examples are the Koci hit on Green and the Adams hit on Ovechkin.
Won’t take up any more of your time. Let’s go Caps!!! Looking forward to some hockey in June in DC.
Chris
I am so amused over all the comparisons of various hits, and mostly by the attemnpt to define “legal”, especially in describing Cooke’s and Richard’s hits. Will those people please define ‘roughing?’ No, I thought not. They can’t. It is deliberately vague, and that and the ‘misconduct’ penalties are there to give referees the latitude to punish actions that might otherwise not technically violate one of the other penalties. Like, it was a hook, no it was a trip, no it was just putting the body on him, no the hand came off the stick … blah blah blah. Or, in this case, ‘it was a shove’, ‘no it was boarding,’ ‘it was from behind,’ ‘no it was mainly from the side.’ Get over the technicalities, people. The problem is the idiot refs and Colon who can’t find anything like consistency.
@Brent
“That’s why they (we) are watching and not polishing their trophies.”
What trophies are the Caps polishing?
I was watching the game with a few friends that recently started to rock the red. They all threw the towel after the second period ended. I kept telling them, this team will come back, trust me. Needless to say, I’m now a hockey expert to them
Great game BTW, the Caps certainly is by far the most exciting team to watch.
I expected this from Caps fans, I expected this from Boudreau, but c’mon Ted? What is the obsession with pens? I can’t read a blog post or watch an interview where one of your guys doesn’t bring up the Pens (and no, im not just referencing the cooke talk).
As for the hit, it was a dangerous play. The league has rules in place that protect a player in that situation. Should they have a rule in place for blind side hits? Probably, but the fact is there is no such rule. There is however, a rule about hitting players from behind. A push in the lower back four feet from the boards is very dangerous and can’t be allowed in the game.
@ Bob from easternPA, take a look at this clip of Craig Adams hit on Ovechkin, this is a push from behinnd in a more vulnerable position thasn Campbell was on OV’s push. No penalty and no suspension, this is a play that is more comparable tio Cooke’s head shot (not a penalty under the current rules, but more of a cheap shot than a push by OV, Campbell new OV was on the forcheck, Savard had no idea Cooke was coming with a cheap shot to the head). I think a 2-minute boarding call could have been called, and whether the player is injured or not has nothing to do with the penalty time. It is the act not the result that should determine the penalty call. The problem I have is the inconsistency of the officiating and the discipline doled out by the NHL.
And to #9 Chris, Mike Green was injured by a high hit from behind by David Koci of Colorado, and even though a penalty was called, no suspension for a blatant hit from behind.
Ted won’t complain to the league, because he’s wrong… that’s why he will complain here instead.
I am content with the Team, the GM’s decisions on the Trades, Coach Boudreau’s amazing job over the past several seasons and finally with it’s owner. I have really no complaints to offer and only the best wishes for you all going forward.
I was listening to the game in Chicago, and admit my faith was shaken. That quickly turned to elation as the guys struck back with all the skill of a pool hustler. Alex should not have been suspended, though I am not worried at all for the team. I am more worried about how Alex is doing mentally with all the recent disappointments.
But, regardless of whether the Caps win or lose I will be behind you all. (and not making crazy negative emails to one of the best owners in the NHL)
Hey vic. Go watch figure skating where they are no allowed to touch each other. Probably more your style.
If memory serves, the Caps are 6-2 with Ovechkin out of the lineup. I feel sorry for Florida and Carolina already.
When even a Crosbyolater like Mike Milbury says the game misconduct call on Ovechkin was an overreach, it’s a safe bet that the call was probably an overreach.
A 2-game suspension on a play with, arguably, no intent to injure, when Cooke’s head-hunting didn’t even merit two minutes, is a miscarriage of justice so obscene that I hope the press release announcing same was wrapped in a brown paper bag.
Vickie Guerrero hasn’t starting working for the NHL, has she?
@ChrisGee: What…Penguin fans have no right to talk to your owner? That’s an insane comment. This is an internet blog. It invites comment. If Ted doesn’t want the comments or can’t take the heat, he shouldn’t blog. Frankly, I’m more in favor of owners who save the franchise first from bankruptcy, then from a move because the local officials won’t fund a new arena, and to top it off, is a legend in hockey. Even better, he lets the players play and keeps his comments to himself as to not sound self-serving or arrogant.
To the Penguin trolls: Hiding behind the rule book regarding Matt Cooke’s hit doesn’t hold any water because he’s already been suspended several times this year for the exact same hit. Cooke’s was a deliberate head shot whereas Richard’s hit was clean and used his shoulder to Booth’s chest – and happened to catch his chin.
Next, the reason the hockey/sports world is comparing the two hits is because folks are outraged that Cooke’s dirty hit didn’t even get a two minute minor and Ovi gets ejected. The reason the two are getting compared is because they happened so close together with two different results.
Third, to blame Caps fans for looking at their team through rose-colored glasses is pretty laughable when Penguin fans are rushing to defend Matt Cooke at all costs and hiding behind this hockey “rule book” that all Penguins fans have apparently read.
Fourth, Green was “pushed” into the boards last year by Chris Pronger and missed many games because of it…no complaints from Caps land.
Penguin trolls, that type of hit happens all the time in hockey games…the only reason this gets more scrutiny is because it’s Ovie. Mike Green got suspended for the same “elbowing” that Malking did to Wayne Simmonds – for which there was no penalty.
Finally, Ted, you gotta’ complain about the double-standard to the the league. Colin Campbell and his “dartboard justice” really has to be removed. This is getting to be a real eyesore for the league. As a member of the board of governors, it is in your power to fire Campbell and get someone in there who can do the job right. These things wouldn’t be happening if you had a competent director of hockey operations.
The four goals by three different players were huge, as was Backstrom’s end to end play on the winner. Theodore was solid, ‘Hawks set up those first two goals beautifully, not any goalie’s fault on those.
But my player of game is Steckel. His hustle on what could have been an icing set up the tying goal immediately after cutting the Chicago lead to one, and they were on their heels the rest of the game.
As one who wrote immediately after to say, “How great was that!?!?!” I have a hard time understanding the complainers.
Don’t think Ovie deserved game misconduct, or ejection, or suspension. Ice is slippery and people fall when pushed. Then they get up again. Like Chumbawumba.
With the suspension today it is obvious that Colin Campbell et al. are influenced by the Canadian media. Since I am more than a little spiteful I would respond by sitting OV for all nationally (NBC or CBC)televised games for the rest of the year. I would hate to do that to OV but he is not getting a fair shake and there are 12 years left on his contract. Let’s get this bias straightened out now. It just seems that when these hits happen they get blown out of proportion by the talking heads. Bring him back for the playoffs and let him play his own unique wonderful style. I know the league has changed but the scorn tossed at Alex is hypocritical – the Richard trophy is named after a gentleman suspended for the rest of the season and the playoffs for deliberately injuring another player and assaulting an official.
Great team and great game Sunday. I never gave up faith. And I wouldn’t really follow my suggestion I just needed to vent.
Cooke’s hit has nothing to do with the Ovechkin hit. You want to compare it to something – look at Lapierre’s hit.
I guess you “don’t get it” because you don’t understand the rules and how the game is played. Hitting (pushing / finishing your check – lol) from behind at any level will result in a game misconduct and probably more.
If referees wouldn’t continue to dish out the 2-5-10 or 5-10 on such marginal plays to OV simply because the player gets hurt OV wouldn’t have this “repeat offender” moniker that everyone so casually throws around to imply he plays like Darcy Tucker. Tucker absolutely hurt Gonchar one year in the playoffs with a head shot. He destroyed Sami Kapanen with a headshot … had anyone ever seen OV target a head? C’mon. I wish more guys played like OV … even more on the Caps!
Levying a punishment based on the outcome of a play (the resulting injury) is a ridiculous way to deal with these unfortunate incidents. It over-emphasizes the incident and blows it way out of proportion. This was not a Neil on Drury, a Richards on Booth, or even close to a Cooke on Savard type of play. Campbell fell, no different that OV when he lost his balance against the Bruins last season or the season before and took that really nasty looking collision in the corner boards when Chara was guarding him.
I’ve calmed way down as a fan of the Caps. The Caps are 46-14-9. We will not win every game, but we are going to win a ton of them. Some nights we look like we could have played with more desire or passion as a unit and we lose to Tampa Bay or we need to go to OT to beat Carolina. Other nights we comeback against Chicago or Pittsburgh to win like we have done this season in awesome fashion on the national stage. Is it easy to get outraged when we go on a 14 game winning streak, comeback against our arch-rival Pittsburgh to keep it alive, then sort of tank against weaker opponents? Sure … the sky is falling Caps fans. NOT! Get over it … no team goes 82-0-0.
Like it or not, we’re going to lock up the Eastern Conference No. 1 seed in about 5-10 games and we’ll close in on the President’s Trophy. (I believe) These are all firsts for the the franchise … at least the President’s Trophy will be. I’m hoping with a few bounces our way and some good chemistry developing with our new additions, maybe this will be the year we hold up the coveted chalice … in Washington … in a game 5 in a series … I could care less if we don’t go 7 games. 4, 5, or 6 game series suit me just fine.
Ted,
While I respect that you have to stick up for your team, especially when everyone else is not…I cannot agree with you on Ovechkin’s hit. It was a wreckless shove into the boards, and that’s the exact definition of boarding.
Nicklas Backstrom will be the cornerstone of this franchise for years to come. Mark my words. One of the most complete players I have seen play the game.
Hits from behind always, always deserve a game misconduct. No matter how innocuous. Guys have been getting tossed at every level of hockey for those hits for years and years and years.
The alternative is not worth contemplating.
Yes, Cooke should have been suspended, too, but there is one flaw in the rulebook I hope the GMs – and governors like yourself – work toward.
Ted:
It was a nice win. For it to have been a great win to me, Huet would have needed to be in net for the Blackhawks ;-> I’m still rooting against him because I feel he “dis’ed” us all.
I’m a Caps Fan so I of course also didn’t agree with the Major against Oview, or the Game Misconduct then and right now I agree with the two game suspension even less. Of course I gre up in Philly rooting for the Broad Street “Bullies” and am realy starting to resent the “pacification” of the sport that is going on.
I don’t want guys to be injured either and I understand it’s a faster game, played by bigger guys, today. But so is rugby for that matter and in fugby we have fewer serious injuries then either Hockey or Football – maybe if we didn’t allow the players to wrap themselves in hardshell “kevlar” body armour then when something goes slightly askew, such as a guy getting shoved and catching an edge the injuries from basically incidental contact let alone the ones from intentended body checks woiuldn’t occur so often or be so serious.
So, Koci elbows Green’s head against the boards from behind in Colorado and doesn’t get suspended, but OV does? Is the league saying “It’s not the hit that matters, it’s the injury following the hit that matters?” Koci could have broken Green’s neck, but because Green just suffered lacerations, no suspension. Campbell breaks bones and OV’s suspended? The league cannot help but appear to be incredibly inconsistent with its rulings. I’ve been watching hockey for 40 years and this is the worst I’ve ever seen it. I sure hope you bring up the Koci incident when you talk with league officials — I was in Colorado and saw it live. I’m still shocked Green wasn’t hurt more seriously.
Ted,
Now that he has been suspended, paying Caps customers are owed an answer to the question I posed above. I don’t care about the web geeks emailing you. I don’t care about press coverage and the thoughts of flexperts. I pay a LOT of money, along with several thousand others who shell out thousands of dollars, to finance all of this. I respectfully ask for an answer. I haven’t been this angry since the lockout, strike, whatever that was. All I see is angry right now. You or Bettman, I don’t care which. Somebody in charge needs to explain, not some flak employee in New York or Toronto. You or Bettman, somebody take ownership. NOW!
“When Ovechkin was tossed for basically pushing a Blackhawk player..”
In the back which is illegal and dangerous and without the puck which is unnecessary and reckless.
“Matt Cooke didn’t get suspended or a penalty called on his hit last week, but Alex Ovechkin the league’s MVP did on that play?”
Cooke’s hit was legal as defined by the league. (Which is ridiculous but there you go.) And Ovechkin being the league’s MVP is beside the point and the implication here that he should be held to a different standard is part of the reason the disciplinary system is so screwed up.
And for the record, I hate the Penguins too.
Ted, to be honest I thought we would probably not come back when down 3-0 missing our star. However, I knew that if there is any NHL team that can do that, it is us, so I stayed hopeful and kept watching and was rewarded.
I don’t understand the people who start emailing you every time we are losing. This is the NHL, not the NFL. You cannot win every game — there are just too many of them. Some days you will just get outplayed or outlucked or outreffed (*) or the other goalie will catch fire. Yes, even when you are the best team in the league you will still lose games. People need to just accept that and chill out until the playoffs.
(*) Unless you are the Penguins.
HockeyDude, go to your team’s owner’s blog and post about it. Oh wait, your team owner probably doesn’t have one…
Ted, I think you should start posting the email addresses of the angry (pens) fans who contact you. That will show them that they must be held accountable for their emails and words as well.
Mr. Leonsis,
Thanks for being such an accessable owner. My husband and I were attending the game in Chicago, decked out in our Caps Jersies (mine a Steckel and his a Green). We were lucky to sit in section 103 where the fans are well-behaved, otherwise, we might not have had such a good experience. We took a whole lot of flack during the game, defended our team, knew we have more depth than just one player, and know better than to leave a Caps game early. Before the 3rd period started, we looked at each other, wondering if the Caps could come back from a 3 goal deficit…they did, we cheered, surrounded by 22k non-Caps fans. It was a great environment, good to see the team rise to the occasion, and play with the heart and soul we know they have. One of the Hawks fans asked if we play each other again before the post season and my husband answered “not unless its best of 7 and we hope that will be the case.” Here’s looking forward to a great finish to the season and on to the Post-Season.
Basically a push? And what does Ovechkin being an MVP have to do with an illegal hit?
CrissGEE, there is nothing illegal about a headshot unless the elbow and stick are involved… Seriously, you need to learn the rules of hockey before you start complaining about them..
Cookes hit was totally dirty, but it was technically legal… Alex’s hit was less dirty, but was illegal…
Penguin fans have no room to talk to our owner..
And if it was about Ovi’s hit / misconduct, they again, have no room to speak, as Matt Cooke got away with a season ending HEADSHOT without a suspension or even penalty.
“When Ovechkin was tossed for basically pushing a Blackhawk player..” heh. keep watching hockey, Ted. You’ll understand it one day.
btw – congrats on the comeback. that’s what I love about the new NHL – even teams down 3 or more goals can still come back…
Hey Ted:
I agree with you, it was basically a push. Campbell had just released the puck and Alex was just trying to finish his check. I would have agreed with a boarding penalty but not a game misconduct and certainly nothing more severe than that. But anyway life goes and so will the team. It was a great team effort and this teams “never quit” attitude is something that other teams continue to under-estimate. And if all else one other thing was re-enforced…”Backstrom is really really good!!”
I hate watching NBC’s broadcasts — They don’t do their homework. Easy to read stats, but would it kill them to look at game films and read a few articles?? They should have had someone running stats the minute it happened to find out what our record w/o Alex is — because I think it is pretty good. I said at least 6x, I miss Joe B & Locker. One will bet that they will know the answer to my question.
We took a break from watching the game. Angry at everyone but the boys. Very glad that we turned it back on in time to catch all four glorious goals. GO CAPS!!!!!!!
Another unbelievable (super-fantastic) comeback. The Caps could have very easily given up early in this game….but they didn’t! You, the coaches, and the team are a class act that have turned DC into a great hockey town. It sure has been fun watching the team’s progress in the last few years. Thanks. It’s so nice to have a winning team in Washington! It looks like the team is having fun playing, and I think most fans are having fun watching. I know I am!It makes me HAPPY. I can’t figure out why so many people are upset, the Caps have the best record in the league. How often has that happened in the past? By the way, I’m also looking forward to you achieving your 101 goals….especially number 41….winning a worlds championship! Best of Luck
Ted, Alex won’t get suspended, i’m not making a political comment or anything, i’m just saying he won’t, so let’s move on…
You are drawing incorrect comparisons when you connect this hit with the Matt Cooke hit. Matt Cookes hit was more dirty but was technically within the rules at the time. Alex’s hit was less dirty but was an illegal hit as defined by the rule book…
I personally am sick and tired of all these hits, not only by Alex and Matt, but people all around the league. It really shows their total lack of respect for the other players… Also the fact that he was the leagues MVP should have ABSOLUTELY no baring on whether he gets suspended or not, decisions like that are what make the league a lesser league to the NFL, NBA and MLB… Good game by your team though
Ted wrote: “…it is what it is. We will move on, play hard and we won’t “explain or complain”.
Wait, wait, wait. Non-emailing/paying customer here. Earth to Messrs. Leonsis and Bettman. I’m sorry, but it’s insufficient to say “it is what it is”. NHL rules and suspensions aren’t earth quakes or tsunamis. While no excuses and complaints are necessary (or wanted), some business practices require explanations to your customers.
Here’s the question I want answered: “How is it acceptable to the NHL (of which you are a an owner) that Matt Cooke gets neither a penalty or suspension for what he did last week yet Ovechkin is penalized, ejected, and (possibly) suspended?”
It’s absurd to say you will go on without explanation and to blather on and on about people who send you negative email during games. (Good Gosh Almighty, Captain Internet — don’t you understand negative stuff like that comes with the territory?)
While NHL hockey is just a game, you guys need customers to FINANCE it. And merely saying: “it is what it is” is junk. You can do better, Ted. MUCH better.
Hey Ted!
Great game on Sunday…I can’t believe the comeback after the team looked pretty lifeless after the first two periods(maybe rightfully so, after Ovi’s ejection). I think Nick Backstrom really proved some people wrong, and that he’s MUCH more than just an Ovi sidekick.
I’m in the middle of your book, and I’m loving it! Reading it has inspired me to pursue something that would truly make me happy, and what would make me happier than anything in the world would be to somehow be involved with the Caps organization.
I’m in the middle of pursing season tix for the Caps, and I just spoke with one of your regional sales managers (Pete) to set up a deposit. I also asked him about working for the Caps, and he was extremely helpful. I know you’ve probably been bombarded with everything possible concerning the Caps and their playoff run and probably don’t have much time, but I was wondering if there was any way possible I could ask you if you guys are looking for web developers to help out with marketing / promotions for the site?
I know I can work with a giant pharm company or some gov’t branch/contractor doing work that I could probably care less about, but my heart and soul is with hockey, and working for the NHL in some capacity is pretty much all I’ve ever wanted to do.
It was great seeing you on the big screen with your fam when I was at the game on Friday (tough loss). I want to commend you for everything you’ve done in terms of energizing this city, and making hockey reclaim its rightful spot as the #1 sport in D.C.!
Thanks Ted!
Bravo on “your time to vent!”
My son and I never say die, the Caps ALWAYS find a way to get back into the game (whether they win or not), and we couldn’t be prouder of these guys.
Ovie got hosed! Why? Because he is not Canadian (but an evil European that actually checks) and he threatens the NHL proclaimed poster child Sidney Crosby and their proported “America’s Team,” the Penguins. Ovie is the most exciting skater I’ve seen in YEARS! He DID NOT deserve a game misconduct against the Blackhawks.
I was actually rather surprised to see Mike Milbury DEFENDING Alex!
Keep up the great work Mr. Leonsis
Ted, How are you not complaining? That’s exactly what you are doing. And what does the fact that Ovechkin is the MVP have anything to do about his playing so recklessly? Yes…you would be better off not explainging or complaining….and especially if you didn’t act like such an apologist for Ovechkin.
Ted,
I really torn when we are the NBC game of the week, it is nice that everyone watches us but, then we have to put up with the NBC announcers who are always anti-Caps. I was very suprised when even the biggest anti-Caps,anti-Ovi Milbury actually said there should have been no game misconduct and the ref overreacted, imagine that? We still get no respect from NBC(Nobody But Crosby!)
Comparing Ovechkin’s hit to Cooke’s is like comparing a trip to a hip check. One’s illegal, the other isn’t. When hockey players first start to play in checking leagues, they aren’t taught to not check another player in the head, they’re taught to keep their head up and be aware of their circumstances to defend themselves. The other, and probably more important, thing young players are taught is to never check somebody from behind into the boards. That’s why youth leagues put stop signs on the back of jerseys, maybe professionals need them as well.
I imagine you’d feel quite differently if it was Mike Green that was “basically pushed” into the boards from behind, resulting in a broken rib, collarbone, and concussion. I hope you’d feel differently if Campbell ended up with a broken neck and paralyzed, which has happened to more than a few players after being boarded.
You own an NHL team, Mr. Leonsis, your words carry weight with them. You need to be more responsible with what you say in public, and some of you’re players need to be more responsible on the ice.
Ummmm, maybe it could be that boarding IS A PENALTY, while Cooke did nothing against the current rules?
And what exactly does being MVP have to do with anything? Amazing the lengths you and Caps fans will go to, in order to justify the dirty behavior by your star. You don’t get it because much like 3/4 of the Caps fanbase, you only see what you want to see, and have only been watching hockey for five years.
Ted: the one thing that I take exception to is your saying that you won’t complain about the treatment of Ovechkin. Why wouldn’t the team contact the NHL head of officials to discuss its concerns about the officiating? I don’t think being passive in such situations is the way to go.
As Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Ted
My take on the angst of some fans is something you should view as a good thing. They care, deeply. Who sends emails in the middle of a Wizards game?
I personally think the games are harder on the fans than the players. Many don’t play or have never played and don’t frankly have a warrior mentality. They put their own insecurities on the team in a game and have no control over the outcome. Our Caps players know (and have proven) they can fight adversity to the end and prevail, but your average fan remembers getting depanced (sp?)in gym class and losing. That’s why they (we) are watching and not polishing their trophies.
I know it was always harder to watch my kids play than to play myself – - at least until I realized they were kids having fun not professionals. And I think the same emotions apply to watching a team in whom you are really invested.
I would say, embrace the in-game haters because in truth they have a great love and passion for the team. The gut wrenching twists and turns make for a great product you, George and Bruce have assembled. I love it!!
If the Caps don’t win the Cup, you are going to lose your mind. I can feel more and more stress leak out with each passing blog post. I worry for you, Ted.
You tell ‘em Ted! Great game and even better to see our team band together yet again for Ovechkin. I thought the penalty was complete garbage. I’m so tired of the officials looking at the name on the jersey and then calling the penalty. When did pushing become worthy of a game misconduct anyways?
Ted, I just have a really hard time with you defending Ovechkin’s actions. He is reckless and negligent. When does his play cross over from being “passionate” and become just plain goonish? He is disrespecting his fellow players, and they are all noticing and remarking about it, privately and publicly. He is going to be more known for his borderline to outright dirty plays than for his skill. And why does this have to compare at all with Cooke’s case? Two wrongs don’t make a right. Cooke is a goon, but that doesn’t make Ovechkin less of one. Mario didn’t defend Cooke. Do you really have to go on the record to defend Ovechkin? That’s self-serving.
It was a very impressive comeback. I don’t agree with the call on Ovie because it was not a hit from behind. But the refs are being very careful now since the Cooke incident. Cooke’s and Richard’s hit on Booth were 10 times worse and deserved long suspensions. I don’t understand what Colie Campbell is looking at when he reviewed Richards’ and Cooke’s hits, both were clearly intent to injure type incidents – Even Don Cherry agreed on his Hockey Night in Canada segment about both hits.